One number to find and book a local shop
A concierge phone line for the 518. Call, say what you need, and it sends your request to a well-rated Capital Region business. The number isn't live yet — this page explains how it will work.
Planned number and caller guide: Easy is cool. 518-726-COOL (coming soon)
How it will work
Step 1
You call one local number
Say what you need in plain words: “a haircut this afternoon,” “my furnace stopped,” “a plumber for a leak.”
Step 2
The line figures out the job
It works out what kind of shop you need, where you are, and how soon. If it sounds like an emergency, it tells you to call 911.
Step 3
It finds a qualifying local shop
It looks for Capital Region shops rated 4 stars or better on Google, and only sends requests to shops that have opted in as partners.
Step 4
It sends your request
It reads the details back to you and sends them to the shop. It's a request until the shop confirms the time or calls you back.
Ground rules
- Bookings only go to shops that have opted in as partners.
- Any shop listed without opting in will be clearly labeled “not a partner.”
- Not for emergencies — call 911.
Where it starts
Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, and Saratoga counties — Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, and the towns around them — then the wider 518 by request. First categories: barbers, hair and nail salons, HVAC, plumbers, electricians, and auto repair.
Own a shop? Be one of the first partners.
The same assistant can answer your own shop phone, too. See it work on a fictional barbershop in the 518 Shop Line demo, then email hello@albanyaiguy.com.